The Importance of Students in Creating and Curating Institutional Legacy: Growth, Legacy, and Altruism

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, legacy is often associated with tangible symbols of institutional success—majestic buildings, notable alumni, and a revered history. However, the true essence of legacy lies in the deeper, intangible attributes that define an institution's identity over time. Students, often viewed as temporary participants in the life of a college or university, are in fact, the most critical architects of this legacy. Their role in shaping, curating, and perpetuating the institution’s legacy underscores the intrinsic connection between growth, legacy, altruism, and contributions, particularly through volunteerism, sports, and the arts.

The University of Queensland (UQ) and its residential colleges, such as King's College, exemplify the role of students in shaping and curating institutional legacy. UQ, established in 1909, has cultivated a rich legacy of academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Central to this legacy is the contribution of its students. King's College UQ, founded in 1913, has a long tradition of fostering leadership, academic achievement, and service among its residents. The college's emphasis on a holistic education—one that balances academic rigor with extracurricular involvement, including sports and the arts—has significantly contributed to UQ’s broader legacy.

Students from King’s College have been instrumental in driving cultural and sporting initiatives on campus, further enhancing UQ’s reputation as a vibrant and dynamic institution. These contributions illustrate how residential colleges like King's College play a crucial role in the legacy of the university by instilling values of leadership, service, and community among their students.

A Historical Perspective

Legacy, in its simplest form, is the transmission of values, traditions, and achievements from one generation to the next. In higher education, legacy encapsulates the cultural ethos, accomplishments, and enduring values that shape an institution's character. Historically, various forces have influenced legacy creation, including faculty, administrators, alumni, and students. Despite their brief tenure, students play a crucial role in the dynamic evolution of institutional legacy.

One of the earliest and most profound examples of student-driven legacy is found at Oxford University. Established in the 12th century, Oxford’s legacy has been significantly shaped by its students, who have consistently pushed the boundaries of academic inquiry and social change. The Oxford Union, the university’s debating society founded by students in 1823, has become a symbol of free speech and intellectual rigour. For nearly two centuries, it has hosted debates that have profoundly influenced public discourse on critical issues, demonstrating how student initiatives can create enduring institutional legacies that resonate far beyond the university’s walls (Oxford Union, 2023).

Similarly, the legacy of the American civil rights movement is deeply intertwined with student activism at historically black colleges and universities. Institutions such as Howard University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College were at the forefront of civil rights activism in the mid-20th century. Students played pivotal roles in organising sit-ins, freedom rides, and voter registration drives. These actions not only transformed American society but also cemented these institutions' legacies as bastions of social justice and change, highlighting the powerful role students can play in shaping their alma mater’s legacy (Ransby, 2003).

An Interconnected Journey

Growth and legacy are intricately connected. Growth, within the context of an institution, encompasses the development of academic programs, infrastructure, reputation, and the evolution of the institution’s values and cultural impact. Legacy, conversely, is the cumulative outcome of this growth—representing the lasting attributes of an institution passed down through generations.

The aspirations and actions of students often drive institutional growth. As students engage in academics, extracurricular activities, community service, and cultural/sporting pursuits, they contribute to their institution’s development in multifaceted ways. This growth feeds into the institution’s legacy, creating a continuous cycle where legacy inspires growth, and growth reinforces legacy.

Within King’s, there are many examples of growth and legacy. Certainly, our sporting club journey, particularly in Rowing and Rugby display fantastic aspects of legacy as does our entry into the Netball space displaying growth. Growth too has been shown in our advancements within the community engagement and volunteering space showing we are a college continually looking to develop and grow.

Harvard University, one of the most prestigious institutions globally, exemplifies this relationship. Founded in 1636, Harvard’s legacy is built on centuries of academic excellence, intellectual leadership, and social impact. This legacy, however, has been continuously shaped and expanded by successive generations of students. For instance, the Harvard Crimson, established in 1873 by students, has become a leading platform for journalistic excellence and public discourse, contributing significantly to Harvard’s reputation as a hub of intellectual thought (Harvard University Archives, 2023). Similarly, the Phillips Brooks House Association, founded by students in 1900, focuses on public service and social justice, embedding these values deeply into Harvard’s legacy (Phillips Brooks House Association, 2023).

Beyond academics and service, Harvard’s thriving arts and sports programs have also significantly contributed to its legacy. The Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra, one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the United States, founded by students in 1808, continues to foster a rich cultural environment that extends beyond the campus, enhancing Harvard’s cultural legacy (Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra, 2023). Additionally, Harvard’s athletic programs, particularly the historic Harvard-Yale football rivalry dating back to 1875, embody the university’s commitment to athletic excellence and tradition. This rivalry, one of the oldest in American sports, highlights the deep traditions that sports programs instil in a university’s legacy (Harvard Athletics, 2023).

These examples demonstrate that institutional legacy is not a static entity but an evolving narrative that grows and expands with each generation of students. The actions, achievements, and values of students play a crucial role in shaping this narrative, ensuring that the legacy remains relevant and impactful.

The Role of Volunteerism and Service

Volunteerism and service are fundamental aspects of the student experience that significantly impact the creation and curation of institutional legacy. When students engage in volunteerism, they contribute not only to the immediate needs of their communities but also to the long-term reputation and legacy of their institutions. Through acts of service, students embody altruism and social responsibility—values that are critical to a lasting legacy.

The Peace Corps, established in 1961, offers a notable example of how student volunteerism can shape institutional legacy. Many of the first Peace Corps volunteers were college students or recent graduates inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s call to service. Their commitment to international development and cultural exchange has since become a defining feature of the legacy of the universities they represented (Peace Corps, 2023). Institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Michigan, which have contributed significantly to the Peace Corps, have seen their legacies enriched by the service of their students. The impact of these volunteers has elevated the global reputation of these institutions and reinforced the values of service and global citizenship as central to their legacies.

Domestic volunteerism, particularly in the context of community engagement, has also played a crucial role in shaping institutional legacies. The Bonner Scholars Program, established in 1990, provides scholarships to students in exchange for community service. This program, operating at several universities across the United States, has created a legacy of civic engagement and social responsibility at participating institutions. Students who participate in the program contribute to their communities while reinforcing the values of service and leadership that define their institutions (Bonner Foundation, 2023).

King’s own relationship with Rotary takes this concept around service and involvement and capitalises on engaging the Community and then in-turn, opening up doors through the Rotary network for more opportunities.

Volunteerism also extends to the arts and sports, which are integral to the cultural and physical life of institutions. For example, student-run theatre groups like the Yale Dramatic Association, founded in 1900, have fostered a vibrant arts culture at Yale University. Through their dedication to high-quality performances, these students have contributed to Yale’s legacy as a centre for artistic innovation and excellence (Yale Dramatic Association, 2023). In sports, students involved in athletic teams often engage in community outreach, mentoring younger athletes, and promoting physical fitness initiatives, further embedding values of teamwork and public service into the institutional legacy.

By engaging in service, students contribute to the immediate needs of society while also building a lasting legacy of altruism and social responsibility at their institutions.

Altruism and the Culture of Legacy

Altruism, defined as selfless concern for the well-being of others, is a fundamental value that underpins the concept of legacy. In the context of higher education, altruism manifests in various forms, including volunteerism, philanthropy, and mentorship. Students who embrace altruism not only contribute to the immediate success of their institutions but also help to build a culture of legacy centred on the values of service, compassion, and social responsibility.

The culture of legacy is a collective ethos shaped by the actions and values of the entire institution, including students, faculty, and alumni. This culture is essential for sustaining the legacy of an institution over time, ensuring that the values and traditions defining the institution are passed down through generations. Altruism plays a crucial role in this process, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose that is essential for sustaining a strong legacy.

The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902 by Cecil Rhodes, is an example of how altruism can shape the culture of legacy. The scholarship, awarded to students based on academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service, has become one of the most prestigious academic awards globally. However, the true legacy of the Rhodes Scholarship lies not in its prestige but in the culture of service and leadership it fosters among its recipients. (Rhodes Trust, 2023).

King’s College Rhodes Scholars, of which there have been five, include FC Courtice, HM Whyte, LW Sturgess, IS McLeod and PJ Wetherall. Our King’s Rhodes Scholars have all made incredible contributions to the areas of Medicine, Finance, Engineering and Philosophy through institutions including The University of Queensland, The University of Sydney, Oxford University, as well as their career engagements.

Another example of altruism shaping the culture of legacy is found in student organisations like Habitat for Humanity. Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has become a global leader in affordable housing, thanks in large part to student volunteers. Colleges and universities worldwide have established campus chapters of Habitat for Humanity, where students engage in building homes for families in need. The legacy of these student volunteers is reflected not only in the physical homes they build but also in the culture of service and compassion they help cultivate at their institutions.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the role of students in creating and curating institutional legacy is profound, it is not without challenges. One of the primary challenges is the transient nature of student life. Students typically spend only a few years at an institution, which can make it difficult to sustain long-term projects and initiatives that contribute to legacy. Additionally, the pressures of academic life, including coursework, exams, and extracurricular commitments, can limit the time and energy students can devote to legacy-building activities.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for institutions to actively engage students in legacy creation. By fostering a culture of legacy that emphasises the importance of student involvement, institutions can encourage students to take ownership of their role in shaping the future of their alma mater. This can be achieved through various means, including mentorship programs that connect current students with alumni, leadership development programs that emphasise the importance of legacy, and recognition programs that celebrate student contributions to legacy.

Moreover, institutions can leverage the power of collaboration to overcome the challenges of legacy creation. By partnering with alumni, faculty, and community organisations, students can engage in projects that have a lasting impact on their institution and society. These collaborative efforts not only enhance the legacy of the institution but also provide students with valuable experiences that prepare them for leadership roles in their future careers.

The role of students in creating and curating institutional legacy is indispensable. Through their involvement in academics, service, sports, the arts, and other activities, students contribute to the growth and development of their institutions. This growth, in turn, feeds into the institution’s legacy, creating a continuous cycle where legacy inspires growth, and growth reinforces legacy.

Volunteerism and altruism are particularly important in this process, as they embody the values of service, compassion, and social responsibility that are essential to a lasting legacy. By engaging in service, students not only address the immediate needs of society but also build a culture of legacy that is centred on these values.

As institutions continue to evolve, the role of students in legacy creation will remain critical. By fostering a culture of legacy that emphasises the importance of student involvement, institutions can ensure that their legacy remains relevant and impactful for generations to come.

At King’s, we take this very seriously in all that we do. Our student leadership teams as well as Resident and Associate Collegians are constantly reminded about the importance of this in everything they do. Our desire for our current Collegians and our past Collegians is that we continue to create a shared legacy that we are all proud to say is collectively ‘King’s’.

References

Bonner Foundation. (2023). Bonner Scholars Program.

Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra. (2023). About the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra.

Harvard University Archives. (2023). History of the Harvard Crimson.

King’s College, UQ. (2012). Men and Masters.

Oxford Union. (2023). History of the Oxford Union.

Peace Corps. (2023). Peace Corps History.

Phillips Brooks House Association. (2023). About PBHA.

Ransby, B. (2003). Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision. University of North Carolina Press.

Rhodes Trust. (2023). About the Rhodes Scholarship.

Yale Dramatic Association. (2023). History of the Yale Dramatic Association.

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